The first consents were lodged in 1993 for the 32ha Frankton Flats site, which ultimately gained consent for a shopping mall before now bankrupt property developer Dave Henderson bought the site in 2002 for $11 million, with plans to create a ''new town''.
However, Mr Henderson's company, Five Mile Holdings Ltd, was placed into receivership in July 2008, leaving the future of the development uncertain.
The following February the development was put up for mortgagee sale and was ultimately bought by Queenstown Gateways Ltd, with physical work on the site - initially focused on filling in what was locally referred to as ''Hendo's Hole'' - beginning in late 2013.
The first buildings of stage one were handed to the clients by Queenstown Gateway on October 1 and one of the first businesses, Countdown, will officially open its doors at 9am tomorrow.
Queenstown store manager Antony Tasker said the store was blessed last week and it was still a ''hive of activity'' as staff worked around the clock to ensure it was ready to open.
''It's been non-stop since October 1. That's when we were allowed to come into the store for the first time [and] we'll be here until the late hours of Wednesday night.''
Nearly 40 staff were working in the 4200sq m building at present but employee numbers were nearing 100 and more would be required, Mr Tasker said.
''We've tried to hire lots of locals, people who live here all the time, for certainty of ongoing employment, plus we can train and develop them.''
Mr Tasker said it was satisfying to finally see the national supermarket arrive in the resort.
''We're all just looking forward to getting open ... it's become a big team effort to get it to the finish line.''
An opening ceremony would be held outside the supermarket from 7.45am, featuring a kapa haka performance and speeches from Mr Tasker, Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden and Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay.
Other businesses in stage one - Rebel Sport, Briscoes, Dick Smith Electronics, Number One Shoes and Warehouse Stationery - are also due to open this month.
